Hennessy VSOP Privilege Cognac is a cognac that is at least 4 years old, aged in Limousin oak barrels. Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pine, the "s" can also be "Special") price tag is at 38 or $ 45.
After finishing and enjoying this bottle, I had to look up and see how much a replacement would cost. When I saw it was only $35, I thought it was going to be a regular staple. Then I realized this was the Privilege, which runs about $70. Despite normally being a frugal cheapskate, I think I will be buying a new bottle.
** As a disclaimer, I inherited this bottle from a roommate for free, so the value for money is definitely 5 stars.
I had a snifter of Hennessy VSOP earlier this evening at a restaurant following a pleasant dinner, and Iit was an ideal finishing touch to a fine meal. My previous experience with Hennessy Cognac was the VS or 3 star variety. I had previously been somewhat disappointed with the brand until this evening. The VSOP was very pleasant and satisfying, to say the least.
Nose: this is the most difficult for me to analyze, since the nose seems rather complex, and rather weak. Taste is better than nose, and I would describe it a s flavorfully complex but with definite honeyilike sweetness and significant tones of vanilla, and stronger hints of the oak from the casks. Not much in terms of floral or fruit hints to my palate. The finish initially a tad rough but became much smoother as time passed, and with a definite oak character. Long and decently satisfying. Compares well to the Courvoisier VSOP. A bit pricier, however and thereby ranked a bit lower in value for the money,
You may think, that with Hennessy’s ability to innovate and push boundaries, they are a thoroughly ‘modern’ Cognac brand. This is a large part of their immense success and influence. The very French brand based in the Charente region, in fact, dates all the way back to 1765 - to Ireland - but have managed to shapeshift enough times to remain more relevant than ever before - with current Master Blender Renaud Fillioux. Their range of uber-trendy products is ever expanding, and their marketing campaigns all the more captivating. There is no doubt that ‘Henny’ culture is alive and kicking: both Cognac and a fifth of Hennessy are mentioned in what seems like hundreds of songs.
Read more: History, News and Interesting Hennessy Facts
Read more about Hennessy Cognac
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